Page 49 - Real Rochdale Issue 13 Spring 2022

ABOUT THE WRITER

Dr Chauhan OBE is a respected GP, health and social care
campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity.

As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his
patients and introduced innovative methods to improve
their care.

His work mentoring and employing young people has
won national recognition and he was awarded an OBE in
2020 for his creation of the Homeless-Friendly charity.

SPRING INTO ACTION

You may feel that you have been bombarded For all of us, the advent of spring with its longer
with health news this year, so I am guessing days and hopefully better weather are a
you missed this telling statistic. Whilst the challenge to get fitter. The world is opening-up
average life span for women has plateaued, again, too. Gyms, aerobics, Zumba and all the
men’s life expectancy has continued to rise. other myriad of classes are there for you to use,
and many at accessible times and prices.
Good news for the fellas, but this trend also
displays a growing ennui about the treatment Surgeries never closed during lockdown, but
of women and a worrying shift in self-care. some of their clinics were curtailed. They should
be open again with some serving-up information
Covid and lockdown have been particularly hard on nutrition and others helping alleviate
on females experiencing gynaecological conditions such as COPD.
concerns. They have been unable to see GPs
face-to-face and talk about the symptoms Each springtime, I warn patients about
they may be experiencing. Appointments for allergies, including hay fever and asthma, which
everything from smear tests to midwifery can be caused by air quality, temperature, and
checks have also been too readily cancelled. pollen. Have you re-stocked your medicine
Then there is the plain fact that a small cupboard with antihistamine or indeed all the
proportion of doctors are dismissive, creams that treat bites and stings? You will
ignorant, or even arrogant about conditions need them.
such as endometriosis.
One difference about Spring 2022 is that it will
No wonder 2022 sees the first-ever women’s see vulnerable people more reliant than ever on
health strategy being drawn-up. Documents others for food and warmth. Visiting an elderly
such as these often call for consultation and neighbour to see if they are okay, talking to a
my tip is to keep an eye out and make sure your rough sleeper about their health (if you feel
voice is heard. Also, when preventative health comfortable enough to do so), and donating to
appointments are offered to you, take them. a food bank, will all help.

Please look into the benefits of a healthy diet Look after yourself and others this Spring. I
and exercise, cutting down on alcohol and also will say this ad infinitum: keep up with your
being more aware of the unhelpful social media Covid vaccines! May the coming of brighter days
adverts that can cause body dysmorphia. bring hope and optimism and give you the tools
to lift your health and mood.

REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2022 48 49 REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2022